I am a student at Roane County High School, and our Future Leaders Program is being cut after the grant funding was not renewed. In just two years, this program has become one of the only classes that students are genuinely excited to be part of. 

Mr. Caruthers is not just doing the minimum required for this program. He goes way beyond that. He teaches us real-life skills we will actually use after high school, like hands-on leadership, real-world survival situations, cooking, and problem-solving. This class is not just sitting on iPads or reading from textbooks. We are actually learning by doing. 

He also makes his classroom a space where students feel comfortable being themselves. If someone is struggling in school or in life, he notices and steps in to help. Not many teachers do that, but he does. He takes pride in making sure his students are okay and supported. Mr. Caruthers also holds us to a higher standard, which is a core part of the Future Leaders creed. He pushes us to be more responsible, disciplined, and prepared for the real world. 

For many of us, this is the one program that keeps students motivated, involved, and looking forward to coming to school. Losing it would not just take away a class. It would take away a space that has made a real difference in students’ lives. 

We understand funding is a real issue. However, removing a program that clearly helps students grow, stay engaged, and prepare for the real world would be a huge loss for Roane County High School. We respectfully ask the administration and the Roane County Board of Education to look for other funding options and keep the Future Leaders Program and Mr. Caruthers at our school. Many of us have never felt more heard or supported by a teacher than we have with Mr. Caruthers.